Stillwater massage parlor owner convicted of fondling clients

A Washington County jury on Friday, Jan. 18, found a Stillwater massage therapist guilty of criminal sexual conduct for nonconsensual contact with customers.

Four women had accused Amir Abd El Malak, 36, of Stillwater of touching them inappropriately during massages at Land of Pharaohs massage parlor at 1940 Greeley St. S. Malak was the business owner.

Malak was charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct stemming from the claims of unwanted fondling.

On Friday, he was found guilty of two counts and acquitted of the others.

The charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.

His sentencing is scheduled for March 18.

Until then, Washington County district court judge Ellen Maas ordered Malak to surrender his passport and stop giving massages, according to prosecutors.

"Female massage customers are particularly vulnerable, and this defendant preyed upon that vulnerability," Washington County Attorney Pete Orput said in a prepared statement. "I congratulate the jury for bringing justice to these victims. This case brings to light the continued need to license massage facilities, something Minnesota does not currently require."